ADVANCE, N.C. -- Three high school students have died after their car swerved across a North Carolina highway and hit an SUV.
Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Baker told local media outlets the wreck happened late Saturday morning at the 900 block of Baltimore Road.
Baker said the driver of the car, 16-year-old Gavin Ivey of Linwood, and his two passengers, 16-year-old Todd Goetaski of Lexington and 16-year-old Justice McGee of Linwood died at the scene. Troopers said speed is believed to be a factor in the collision.
The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital in Winston-Salem for treatment.
The teens were all sophomores at West Davidson High School. The school said guidance counselors and social workers were at the school Monday. They released the following statement:
"Davidson County Schools and the Board of Education have received information about a car accident involving three students from West Davidson High School. Today we are deeply saddened about the passing away of Gavin Ivey - 10th grade, Justin McGee - 10th grade and Todd Goetaski - 10th grade. The teachers and students were very much saddened by the news. Our focus is on supporting the family, students and staff members of West Davidson High School. Guidance counselors, social workers and support staff are on campus to provide counseling and support for the staff and students. On behalf of Davidson County Schools and The Board of Education our condolences go to the families and we are asking our school community for their thoughts and prayers for the families involved in this tragic accident and for all of the students and staff at West Davidson High School."